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Comedy night to benefit northern animals

Mar 11, 2017 | 7:00 AM

A charity that assists animals in rural, remote First Nations communities, is hoping to help its cause with a little laughter.

The public is invited to help “Raise the Woof” St. Patrick’s day weekend. The Canine Action Project (CAP) is hosting a comedy night fundraiser.

CAP works to achieve a balance within communities for people and their dogs, adds Meagan Schmitz, vice president and volunteer with CAP, “Our whole mandate is ‘healthy dogs equal healthy communities.’” 

Money raised during the comedy show will go towards the group’s medical emergency fund. Three weeks ago CAP received a call about two dogs who had a run in with a porcupine. Schmitz said the vet bill was $900.

“You can’t let that wait. One dog had quills up near her eye. They had them all down their throat they couldn’t eat or drink. It was an emergency and it needed to be done,” she said.

The dogs’ owner willingly signed them over to CAP because he couldn’t afford the bill, but wanted the best for his animals. Schmitz said that’s a common theme.  As a result, her organization works with rehoming partners across western Canada which will spay or neuter the animals, give them their shots and get them ready for adoption.

CAP provides services like on site spay and neuter clinics, and vet bill cost sharing programs. Volunteers also conduct dog demographic researach and offer educational programs for residents to help keep their communities and dogs healthy. 

Schmitz said it takes a lot of time and energy for CAP’s volunteers to run these programs.

“It’s an everyday thing. It’s always ongoing, the phone is constantly ringing and we’re constantly getting emails asking for help from other communities. Other organizations are looking to see how they can help out but the hours are countless,” she said.

CAP volunteers logged more than 1,600 man hours over a 14 month period in Sturgeon Lake alone. Last year, the charity was able to help 450 dogs from  northern communities.

The comedy night, on March 18 at the Prince Albert Inn, will feature Canadian comedians including Cory Mack, Noor Kidwai and Tommy Keller.

There will also be Roughrider alumni in attendance with signed memorabilia, including former offensive tackle Andrew Greene.

Over $3,600 in raffle items from various businesses in Prince Albert are up for grabs. Tickets are $25 and can be found at Curl Up & Dye Salon, Perry’s Automotive and Front Runner Footwear.

 

swallace@panow.com 

On Twitter: @sarahthesquid